Tropical revolving storms Flashcards
define what a TRS is
slow-moving areas of extreme low pressure that gives rise to rough circular inward-spiralling wind motion know as vorticity
What are TRS also know as
hurricanes, cyclones and typhoons depending where in the world the are formed
How big are they usually
200-700m in diameter
What is the ideal ocean conditions for their formation
27 degree warm and warmed to a depth of at least 50m to provide sustained heating over a large area to provided a heat source which will result in a large mass of unstable air
Where in the world must they be located between
5-20 degree N or S of the equator because this is where the effect of the Coriolis force is the greatest so there will be maximum rotation of air
What season are they most likely to occur in
autumn because this is when sea temp is at its warmest
Which belt of winds are they formed in
Formed in the belt of trade winds where surface winds warm as they travel across the ocean to the equator
How do low-level of converge in the air cause these surface winds to create a TRS
It allows these surface winds to come together near the centre of the zone of LP
Which way to TRS travel
westwards on unpredictable courses, when making landfall they lose energy and move polewards helping transfer energy
When can tropical storms only exist
when there is a supply of latent heat and moisture to provide energy and low frictional drag on ocean surface
What happens when the system reaches maturity
a central eye develops of 10-50km with calm conditions and clear skies because air is descending, but around the eye wind speeds can reach unto 300km/h
